Hair clipper



March 3, 1942. P. MONT] HAIR CLIPPER Filed Aug. 5, 1938 2 -Sheet 1 INVENTOR. FHLJP MUN?! ATTORNEYS,

mm mung W JUN P. MONTI HAIR CLIPPER March 3 1942.

P HHHHH HHHHF HH Julmliih nnimuL I um mi C , I INVENTQR.

PH/L 1F MUN?! M ww ATTORNEYS.

Patented Mar. 3, 1942 UNITED STATES OFFICE HAIR CLHE'ER Philip Monti, Detroit, Mich.

Application August 5, 1938,. Serial No. 223,260

9 Claims.

This invention relates to hair cutting devices and particularly to an attachment therefor which provides a substantially frictionless surface for contact; with the skin upon which hair cutting operations are performed.

An important object of this invention is to provide an improved hair cutting device or clipper adapted to advance with a smooth practically frictionless contact over the skin as hair cutting operations are performed. This is accomplished by the provision of one or more movable elements on the bottom or skin contacting face of the cutting device adapted to move or rotate in response to the advance of the cutting over the skin and thus reduce the frictional resistance between the skin and the cutting device.

Another important object of the invention is to provide a cutter head for a hair cutting device which is provided with a plurality of rollers having' their axes extending transversely to the usual path of movement of the cutter head and arranged on the cutter head for contact with the skin during the cutting operations of the head. These rollers are preferably depressed within the cutter head so that only the exposed portions thereof extend substantially flush with the surface which bears against the skin. These rollers may be journaled in the cutter head in various novel ways to permit ready insertion and removal and to reduce vibratory noises to a minimum when used on power operated hair clippers.

More particularly, the invention comprehends anattachment for hair clippers which carries a plurality of endlessly movable elements such as rollers which when inserted in a cutting head of a clipper properly shaped to receive it will provide a practically frictionless bottom face for contact with the skin. Preferably, the attachment comprises a metal frame of rectangular shape having two spaced side members and at least one connecting cross member. The rollers above referred to have their opposite ends journaled in the side members of the frame and are arranged so that they present a substantially level but frictionless bottom face on the clipper to which the frame is secured. The cutter head of the clipper is recessed in a novel manner to receive An important feature of the invention is the provision of rollers which are capable of direct attachment to the bottom face of the cutter head of a'hair clipper. The rollers are of a novel design. Each includes a movable part which is extensible and retractible relative to the rest of the roller and thereby enables the roller to be fitted into a recessed areaof less Width than the length of the roller and then be expanded into position against opposite side walls of the recess. The novel provision of a spring in each roller yieldingly urges the movable part to its extended position and thus automatically maintains the roller journaled to the side wallsbetween which it is mounted.

Various other objects, advantages and meritorious features will become more fully apparent from the following specification, appended claims, and accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a plan view of the bottom of a cutter head of a hair clipper showing the manner in which the attachment is mounted thereon,

Figure 2 is a side view of the cutter head shown in Figure 1,

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along line 3-3 of Figure 1,

Figure 4 is a perspective of a modified form of attachment for a cutter head of a hair clipper,

Figure 5 is a perspective view of another modified form of attachment for use on the cutter head of a hair clipper,

Figure 6 is a, plan view of another modified form of attachment showing its use on a cutter head of a hair clipper,

Figure 7 is a plan vew of another modified form of attachment showing its use on the cutter head of a hair clipper.

Figure 8 is a plan View of a modification of the invention employing ball rollers,

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view through line 9-9 in Figure 8,

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view through a modified form of cylindrical roller, and

Figure 11 is a perspective view of the bottom face of a cutter head illustrating the manner in which rollers of the type shown in Figure 9 are assembled on the head.

Referring in detail to the drawings, the various modifications of the invention illustrated in the drawings essentially comprise one or more movable elements associated with the bottom face of the cutter head. It is preferred that a portion of the bottom face of the cutter head be countersunk to provide a recess in which this movable element can be disposed. When thus assembled, the surface of the movable element exposed for contact extends substantially flush or level with the hair cutting implements in the cutter head. The one or more movable elements are preferably mounted in a frame which is detachably secured in the recess formed in the bottom face of the cutter head. The frame and associated parts form a complete unit capable of separate manufacture and assembly on hair clippers. Hair clippers in use without this improvement are easily altered to receive the frame unit by a simple milling operation on the bottom face of the cutter head.

The cutting head H) of a hand operated hair clipper is illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 3. A rigid arm I2 and a movable arm I4 is associated with the head to operate the cutting implements in the head. The cutter head includes an upper movable blade l6 and a lower stationary blade 18, both of which function on the front or leading edge 20 of the head. The lower cutter blade is serrated perpendicularly to the leading edge to allow the hair filaments to slip therebetween and be sheared off by the upper movable blade l6.

Heretofore the lower blade extended in relatively flat condition to the rear or trailing edge 22 of the cutter head. This presented a fiat surface for bearing upon the skin as the cutting operations were performed. The frictional resistance encountered by the stationary bottom face of the lower blade to movement over the skin, particularly in humid conditions, was irritating and interfered with the ease of movement of the cutting head in operation. The present invention as hereinabove explained contemplates a movable surface contact between the cutter head and the skin which reduces the frictional resistance to a negligible amount and at the same time allows air to enter between the cutter head and the skin upon which it bears, thus relieving the skin in humid conditions.

The movable bottom face provided on the cutter head in Figures 1, 2 and 3 comprises a series of rollers 24 arranged in parallel relationship to one another and transversely across the cutter head. These rollers are preferably mounted in a recess in the bottom face of the stationary blade. above the forward stationary portion of the bottom surface as shown in Figure 2 but may extend exactly on the level or slightly below, if desired. The relation of the exposed surfaces of the rollers to the forward stationary part may therefore be described as substantially flush.

The rollers are carried in a frame comprising spaced parallel side members 26 and a connecting cross member 28. The frame and associated rollers are assembled on the cutter head as a separate unit. Preferably before assembling, the lower cutting blade I8 is provided with a countersunk region of a size corresponding in dimensions to that of the frame and opening outwardly through the rear end of the blade so that the frame may be slid into the recess from the rear. In Figures 1, 2 and 3, the frame is of less width than that of the lower blade I8 so that the recess formed therein need not extend the full width. Raised ridges 38 may therefore be provided on opposite sides of the recess. The ridge may be under-cut on the recess side as shown in Figure 3 and the side members 26 of the frame inclined on their outer surfaces so that after the frame is slid into the recess from the rear Their exposed surfaces extend slightly 4 it cannot drop perpendicularly out of the recess.

To secure the frame to the cutter head the rear cross member 28 may be twisted in the middle to provide a section extending parallel to the rear margin of the lower blade I8 and provided with an aperture 32 for receiving a set screw 34 or similar fastening element. For clippers already in use, the bottom face of the lower blade may be easily milled out to provide the recess therein for receiving the frame.

The modification in Figure 4 is similar to that previously described except that the frame is of wider extent and the side members 36 thereof are each provided with a lower inturned edge 38. The frame is also provided with a series of transverse members 39 extending between the rollers in a plane parallel to the rear cross member 40. To use this modification, the lower blade [8 of the cutter head is recessed or milled the full width and left without any raised sides or ridges 30 as in the previously described modification. The side members of the frame are capable of sliding upon the blade from the rear with the inturned side edges extending around the under side of the blade. In this way the frame will be held to the blade. As in the previously described modification the frame may besecured in this position by a set screw threaded to the blade through the aperture 32 in the rear cross member 40.-

In the modification in Figure 5 the ends of the rollers are tapered as shown-at 4|. The side members 42 of the frame are correspondingly recessed on their inner surfaces opposite the rollers to form journals in which the rollers rotate. This modification is particularly adaptable for use in power operated hair clippers where considerable vibration is present. The tapered journals reduce, if not completely eliminate, anyv tendency of the rollers to vibrate in the frame. The frame as shown in Figure 5 is of the type shown in Figure 1 but may be of the type shown in Figure 4.

The modification illustrated in Figure 6 is similar to that shown in Figure 1 except that a mid dle roller support 44 is provided which divides the rollers into right and left hand sets 46 and 48 respectively. The rollers project above the side members and the middle member to bear upon the skin during the cutting operations.

In the modification illustrated in Figure 7, an endless rotating band 5!] of flexible material encircles two spaced rollers 52. As the cutter head bears on the skin and advances thereover this material moves rearwardly and provides a frictionless surface between the skin and cutter head. If desired, one or more intermediate rollers 54 may be provided.

In the modification in Figures 8 and 9, a"

frame comprising a base plate 54 and a top plate 56 form a ball roller cage in which a plurality of ball rollers 58 are carried. The top plate 56 is apertured to allow the ball rollers to project therebeyond. The edges of the apertures engage the ball rollers on their upper half sections which is capable of being attached directly to the cutter head rather than to a frame as here tofore described. Each roller, as shown in Fig-v ure 10, comprises a hollow cylindrical body 62 having a closed end formed by a stationary member 64 fixed to the body so that it projects therebeyond. The opposite end of the cylindrical body contains a movable member 66 slidable therethrough and projectible therebeyond as shown. A coiled spring 68 is provided in the cylindrical body between the stationary and movable members and is arranged as shown to exert yielding forces on the movable member to project the same beyond the end of the cylindrical body.

As shown in Figure 11, the bottom face of the cutter head may be recessed as in Figure 1. The width of this recess should be such that when the movable ends of the rollers are retracted the rollers may be assembled lengthwise in the recess as shown but when thus assembled they are capable of being lengthened by the springs therein so that the members constituting the ends of the rollers bear upon the side walls of the recess. The projecting ends of these members may be tapered as shown to provide journals for their respective rollers. The side walls of the recess may be correspondingly indented to form journal supports for the ends of the rollers.

In all cases, if desired, the leading rollers may be of slightly less diameter than those following therebehind in order to smooth the transition from the forward section of the lower blade to the skin contacting parts of the rollers provided.

What I claim:

1. A cutter head for a hair cutting device having a bottom face adapted to bear upon and move along the surface of the skin as hair cutting operations are performed by the cutter head, said bottom face being countersunk substantially the entire width of the cutter head except for an integral marginal portion along each side of the cutter head, and a plurality of cylindrical rollers arranged in said countersunk region in closely assembled but slightly spaced parallel relationship and extending transversely to the usual direction of movement of the head during hair cutting operations, the cylindrical sides of said rollers projecting slightly from the plane of the bottom face of the cutter head and forming a relatively flat frictionless surface on the bottom of the cutter head for contact with the skin during hair cutting operations.

2. A cutter head for a hair cutting device having an upper movable blade and a lower stationary blade, said lower stationary blade having a recess formed in the exposed face thereof which extends almost the entire width of the blade except for a raised marginal portion along said both sides of the blade which are raised relative to the bottom of the recess, a pinrality of cylindrical rollers mounted in the recess of the stationary blade in closely assembled but slightly spaced apart parallel relation and extending across the recess from one raised side marginal portion to the other, said rollers mounted in said recess so that their respective cylindrical side portions project beyond the raised side marginal portions of the stationary blade and forming by virtue of their closely assembled relationship a frictionless surface for contact with the skin during hair cutting operations.

3. A stationary cutter blade for use on hair cutting devices having a central recess in the face of the blade which is exposed for contact with the skin during hair cutting operations, said recess extending almost to the opposite sides of the head but leaving an integral raised marginal portion along each side thereof, a plurality of cylindrical rollers mounted in said recess in closely assembled but slightly spaced apart parallel relationship and extending across the recess transversely to the usual path of movement of the blade during hair cutting operations, the cylindrical side portions of said rollers extending at least as far as the level of the side marginal portions to form by virtue of their closely assembled relationship a frictionless surface for contact with the skin.

4. A cutter blade adapted to be attached to hair cutting devices having a face which is exposed for contact with the skin during hair cutting operations, said face having a countersunk area therein extending almost the width of said blade except for a marginal portion along-each side of the blade which project in raised condition above the countersunk area forming side walls therefor, one or more cylindrical rollers mounted in said countersunk area and extending from one side wall thereof to the other, means on the side walls of the countersunk area forming journal supports for the ends of the roller or rollers mounted therein, each roller formed of telescoping members having means therein yieldingly acting to expand the members relative to one another and increase the overall length of the roller, each roller in expanded con-= dition having a length greater than the Width of said countersunk area and in contracted condition having a length less than the width of the countersunk area so that each roller may be assembled in the journal supports provided in the side walls of the countersunk area by first contracting the roller and then allowing it to expand into the journal supports therefor.

5. In a hair clipper, a base plate having a recess in the side thereof which bears against the skin during hair cutting operations, means in said recess forming spaced journal supports for a roller, a cylindrical roller extensible longitudinally and having a spring in the interior thereof yieldingly urging the roller to its extended condition, said roller in extended condition having a length greater than the distance separating said journal supports but in contracted condition having a length less than said distance whereby the roller may be assembled on the base plate by first contracting the same and then allowing the ends thereof to be expanded into the journal supports.

6. A hair cutter comprising, in combination, a cutter head having a bottom surface adapted to bear upon and move along the surface of the skin during hair cutting operations, said bottom surface having a countersunk area of substantially rectangular shape extending almost the entire width of the surface but leaving opposed raised marginal portions along the opposite sides of the cutter head, an open rectangular frame having two side members and at least one end member connecting the side members together, a plurality of rollers arranged in parallel closely assembled side-by-side relationship having their opposite ends journaled in the side members of the frame, said frame being of a size to substantially occupy said countersunk rectangulararea on the bottom face of the cutter head, and means interlockingly securing the side members of the frame to the opposed raised marginal portions of the bottom surface of the cutter head.

7. A cutter head for a hair cutting device having a relatively fiat bottom section adapted to bear upon and move alongthe skin as hair cutting operations are performed and provided with a leading edge where the cutting operations are performed and a trailing edge opposite thereo, said bottom section having a recessed area opening out through the trailing edge thereof and extending almost the entire Width of the section except for a raised marginal portion along each side thereof, a frame including spaced side members, said frame carrying means between said side members providing a substantially frictionless surface, the raised marginal portions of the bottom section forming guides for slidably receiving the side members of the frame when the same is advanced into the recessed area through the opening on the trailing edge of the bottom section.

8. A cutter head for a hair cutting device having a bottom face adapted to bear upon and move along the skin as hair cutting operations are performed, said bottom face having a recessed area of substantially rectangular shape extending almost the entire width of the face but leaving opposed raised marginal portions along the opposite sides of the cutter head, said recessed area opening out through one nd of the bottom face, a rectangular frame including two side members and at least one transverse member connecting the side members together, means carried by said frame providing a substantially frictionless surface, said frame being of a size to substantially occupy the recessed area with the side members engaging the raised marginal portions of the bottom face, the side members of the frame and the raised marginal portions being shaped so that the frame may be slidably advanced into the recessed area from the open end thereof but held from falling perpendicularly therefrom, and means for detachably securing said frame in the recessed area against return movement out through the opened end.

9. A cutter head for a hair cutting device having a bottom face adapted to bear upon and move along the surface of the skin as hair cutting op erations are performed, journal supports for supporting the ends of one or more rollers on the bottom face of the head, one or more rollers mounted in said journal supports and adapted to form a substantially frictionless surface for engagement with the skin, each roller composed of separate parts extensible and retractible axial- 1y relative to each other, spring means in each roller yieldingly urging the parts thereof to extended condition, each roller in extended condition having a length greater than the distance separating the journal supports therefor but in retracted condition extending less than said distance whereby each roller may be assembled on,

the cutter head by first retracting the parts and then allowing the opposite ends to be forced by said spring means into the journal supports. PHILIP MONTI. 

